There’s something special about California – the golden sunshine, Hollywood glamor, delicious artisan toast…and of course, music festivals! While there are numerous festivals held across the country, California’s climate and culture lend themselves well to festival settings.
California hosts many music festivals each year, making it tough to remember them all. Coachella and FYF Fest are must-attend events.
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1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Empire Polo Club, Indio
When: April (3 days)
I bet you’ve heard of Coachella—it’s one of the biggest music festivals around! Every year, it signals the start of summer and sets fashion trends for other festivals throughout the season.
Brown boots, cowboy hats, and a cropped polo with shorts started as an ironic festival fashion but are now a standard look at Coachella.
Over the years, the desert festival has changed with trends, but it always features an incredible lineup of popular musical acts.
2. BottleRock Napa Valley
Napa Valley Expo, Napa
When: May (3 days)
The festival, located in America’s beautiful wine country, combines well-known songs with the refined world of wine.
Every year, the festival features a lineup of well-known musical acts. It also includes over twenty local wineries and a culinary stage with celebrity chefs and special guests.
If the BottleRock festival gets a bit overwhelming, don’t worry; they have a spa on-site. Could this music festival be any more sophisticated? Wine meets music in the perfect location. What more could you ask for?
3. Stagecoach
Empire Polo Club, Indio
When: April (3 days)
Organized by the Coachella team, Stagecoach is California’s top event for country music fans. A country music festival in the desert is a perfect combination, and this event delivers.
Stagecoach is ideal for kicking back and relaxing with the biggest stars in country music and some rising talents.
If you’re a country music fan, this festival is perfect for you! Plus, what’s more fun than wearing your best cowboy boots and Western gear?
4. Outside Lands Music Festival
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
When: August (3 days)
Outside Lands offers a rich mix of attractions beyond music. Enjoy pop-up dance clubs, art exhibitions, and local food vendors. Plus, explore sponsored cabanas offering haircuts and massages.
The line-ups for Outside Lands always feature a great variety of artists, making it one of California’s most diverse festivals.
With so much to experience, Outside Lands is the perfect festival for those who crave entertainment day and night. Featuring a lineup that includes rappers, country singers, and more, it offers something for everyone at this San Francisco fest.
5. Hard Summer Music Festival
The Speedway in Fontana, San Bernardino
When: July (3 days)
The Hard Summer Music Festival features electronic and alternative music, along with emerging talents. Celebrating EDM, hip-hop, and more, this festival is thrilling and intense.
With past performances from stars like Skrillex, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Uzi Vert, you can expect the best at Hard Summer.
Imagine dancing all night to your favorite pump-up songs—this is what Hard Summer offers. If you want a festival focused on raving and fun, this is the perfect choice.
6. CRSSD Festival
Waterfront Park, San Diego
When: September (2 days)
CRSSD Festival is one of America’s top electronic music festivals. Held annually, it showcases a lineup of highly regarded house, EDM, techno, and hip-hop DJs. Set in a beautiful urban location, it’s a must-attend event.
With a beautiful setting and a carefully curated lineup, CRSSD Festival is a must-attend event for any electronic music fan. You’ll have a fantastic time dancing the weekend away.
7. Rolling Loud California
San Bernardino
When: March (3 days)
There’s no hip-hop festival like Rolling Loud. It started as a one-day event in Miami and has grown into a worldwide sensation. This festival is ideal for any hip-hop lover, showcasing both famous and emerging rappers.
If you love rapping along to your favorite hip-hop tracks, this festival is for you. Rolling Loud features the best artists, guaranteeing an exciting experience.
8. Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
When: November (2 days)
The brainchild of Tyler, The Creator, the festival offers a relaxed and personal atmosphere. It’s diverse, featuring rap, R&B, and alternative performers.
This festival has a relaxed vibe with performers from various genres. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy great music.
This festival will feel like home for any fan of Tyler, The Creator’s creative work. Additionally, Tyler’s extensive network of celebrity friends enabled an impressive lineup.
9. Lightning in a Bottle
Bradley, San Antonio
When: May (5 days)
Lightning in a Bottle became a public event in 2004, originally starting as a private birthday celebration. After relocating a few times, it found its home in Bradley, beside Lake San Antonio.
This festival is ideal for those who love the outdoors and camping. With beautiful weather and a stunning location, it’s perfect for music lovers wanting to enjoy time in nature.
10. Splash House Festival
Palm Springs
When: August (4 days)
If you need a disco escape, Splash House is the perfect event for you! This summer festival series in sunny southern California offers plenty of house and disco fun. Plus, it’s a great chance to meet new people!
This is the perfect festival for those who want to let loose and have a good time. A pool party all day for two weekends? Sign me up!
